The Miami HEAT were just crowned NBA champions, but they’ll get back to work almost immediately. When the champagne bottles are empty and the celebration comes to an end, HEAT brass will shift their attention to the offseason and focus on adding more talent to their star-studded roster. After all, the 2012 NBA Draft is less than one week away and free agency will begin in nine days.  Read more after the jump.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be back in Miami, but they may be without some of their teammates. Mike Miller and James Jones are contemplating retirement and Ronny Turiaf, Juwan Howard, Dexter Pittman, Eddy Curry and Terrel Harris can all become unrestricted free agents. If all seven players leave, Miami will only have eight players under contract for next season.
Even though the HEAT hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy on Thursday evening, their roster may look very different entering next season. Much of the team’s core will remain intact, but they’ll have to re-sign or replace a number of role players who filled out the roster during this championship run.
Miami doesn’t have much money to spend, but they’ll attempt to lure a free agent with their mini mid-level exception, just as they were able to do with Shane Battier last summer. The HEAT are hoping to sign a veteran who is willing to take a pay cut in exchange for the opportunity to compete for a title. Miami is looking for a contributor who would prefer a ring to a large contract.
Steve Nash, Chris Kaman, Grant Hill, Andre Miller, Ray Allen and Jermaine O’Neal are among the players who Miami could target with their mini mid-level exception, according to sources close to the situation. Those players can likely make more money elsewhere, but may be willing to take less to join the HEAT.
Another option for Miami is Brandon Roy, who will attempt to make an NBA comeback next season after retiring last December. Roy could be a low-risk, high-reward signing for Miami. If he’s healthy, he could be a significant contributor off of the bench. The HEAT can be patient with Roy, working with him throughout the season just as they did with Eddy Curry this year. Sources close to Roy believe he wants to sign with a contender.
Miami also holds a first-round pick for the first time since assembling the Big Three. The HEAT have the No. 27 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, which they will likely use on a big man. Fab Melo and Festus Ezeli have been mentioned as possibilities for Miami. Jared Sullinger could also be an option, depending on how far he slips on draft night after being medically red flagged by NBA doctors.
The HEAT are still enjoying the euphoria that comes with winning a championship, but positioning themselves to repeat will become the focus in the coming days. This offseason, Miami will be able to add another piece or two, which could help them defend their title.
